12 Tarot Decks For Minimalists

Tarot is as much about the artwork as it is the interpretations themselves. Artwork is subjective and what speaks to me, may not always speak you and vice versa. So it’s no surprise that a tarot reading from one person can be completely different from another, even when using the exact same deck. Artwork is personal and what we see within the art can have a significant impact on the interpretation we receive. Tarot is no different. You want to work with artwork that speaks to your soul.

You’re less likely to find positive messages in artwork you consider distasteful. You’re also less likely to work with the deck as well and with tarot, the more you practice, the better you become. That is why I always tell beginner tarot readers to find a deck that truly speaks to them. Tarot decks are as varied as art itself. I think having a beautiful deck is more important than working with the traditional Rider-Waite deck or even working with a less complicated deck. You do not need to know the ends and outs of the Rider-Waite or Thoth decks to get started with readings. You can always learn those decks later or simply not at all.

So how do you go about finding a deck that speaks to you? Simply find artwork that speaks to you. This particular list is for the minimalists out there. I have around 130 tarot and oracle decks now; sometimes I want them pretty and colorful and sometime I want something that’s simply and doesn’t require a 30 minute session to find all of the symbolism. I am truly a minimalist at heart… at the very least a chaotic minimalist and I often find myself wishing there were minimal decks out there. I’m sure some of you feel the same so I’ve rounded up 12 minimal decks that I know, love and would recommend to those of you searching for something completely different than the traditional Rider-Waite. Not to mention, these decks would look great on any minimal flat lay, coffee table or other instagram worthy display.

Photo curtosey of Mystic Monday Tarot

1. Mystic Monday’s TarotI’m starting the list with something a little more colorful than the rest. It is colorful but the minimalism comes in with the figures. The people and animals do not feature facial characteristics and the overall artwork itself is uncomplicated. The illustrations are basically spot designs with little other distractions. My favorite part of the deck is the holographic siding. This deck is currently available for pre-order here.

Photo courtesy of Labyrinthos

2. Luminous Spirit TarotThis deck is a true minimal deck. The illustrations are purely black lines on a white background; it doesn’t get more simple than that. The images do follow along with the traditional Rider-Waite style for the most part so this one is great for those familiar with the that imagery. And then there’s the holographic backs of the cards which is truly to die for. It catches the light beautifully and is free of wording or illustrations, allowing the holographic goodness the space to shine. You can order this deck here.

Photo courtesy of Labyrinthos

3. Golden Thread TarotThis deck is from the same creator as the Luminous Spirit Tarot and just as simple. It features a rich black card with gold illustrations, hence the name Golden Thread. It was one of the first well done minimal decks I’ve seen and continues to be a fan favorite. Buy it here.

Photo courtesy of Mesquite Tarot

4. Mesquite TarotThis deck is simply, natural and desaturated. The colors are so soft, I would even say soothing and easy going and the artwork is completely uncomplicated. I think this deck is especially great for a younger audience. Find it here.

Photo Courtesy Siolo Thompson

5. The Linestrider TarotThis was my favorite deck for a really long time. The artwork is very simply ink design with beautiful threads of muted watercolor added in just the right places. It has a water like quality to it in the sense that the artwork seems to almost flow like waves. What I love most is how androgynous many of the characters are. It’s certainly a modern take on the traditional Rider-Waite. Find it here.

Photo courtesy of Leila & Olive

6. The Ophidia Rosa TarotThis is the deck that blew the Linestrider out of the number one spot. I’ve been an herbalist for 11 years so this one speaks to my heart. But aside from that, this deck is always somehow accurate. The artwork is vaguely reminiscent of the Rider-Waite deck but it truly does have an imagery all its own. My absolute favorite card of the deck is the Hanged Man that features an upside down flower. Find it here.

Photo courtesy True Black Tarot

7. True Black TarotLet’s just take a moment to appreciate the fact that this deck is HAND PAINTED, not digital. I mean the richness of these cards is just unreal and the author of this deck is a real sweetheart with a true talent. I had a chance to work with a prototype and let me tell you, the cards themselves are a real treat to the hands. They feel like rose petals. The art is simple black, white, gold and small pops of warm colors here and there. A minimal dream. You can pre-order it here.

Photo courtesy of Luna Solare

8. Hidden Waters TarotThis deck is based on the Inkbolt test, often used in psychological evaluations and works in very much the same way. You are supposed to find word associations then use those words to help you formulate an interpretation. This deck is the very heart of what I mean when I say seeing what speaks to you. You don’t have any familiar symbols to rely on so you truly have to find something within the art that reflects who you are. The 2nd print of this deck is available here.

Photo courtesy Aina Studio

9. The Minimalist DeckThis is perhaps the simplest deck on the entire list. The artwork is simply black line illustrations. No fuss or complications… minimalism at its best. Find it here.

Photo courtesy of Spirit Speak

10. Spirit Speak TarotThe illustrations on this deck are a bit complex but completely black and white, making the complicated symbolism a treat more so than a burden one might find in a complicated and colorful deck. But make no mistake, it’s easy to read and always accurate. Find it here.

Photo courtesy of Spirit Speak

11. Divina TarotThis deck is created by the same artist as the Spirit Speak tarot and the artwork is very much the same style but a bit more whimsical. It has a bit of shading, giving it some additional points of interest. Find it here.

Photo courtesy The Dreslyn

12. The Dreslyn TarotThis deck is a minimalist dream. It is refined, uncomplicated and very easy to work with. This one really allows our intuition to shine through. I will admit, it is a bit pricey but the quality of the deck is really worth the cost. Find it here.

Know of any other great minimal decks? I’d love to know about them to. Leave me a comment down below with some of the minimal decks you love that didn’t make it to the list.